Should our family move to Marbella?

by Alina Al Hamden
(Dubai)

Hi there.

My husband and I are planning on moving to Spain this year and Marbella seems like a good fit. We are currently in our 8th year as expats in Dubai, but the increasing cost of living plus very hectic and busy lifestyle is jeopardising our family life and the time we spend together.

We luckily would have a decent incoming revenue to at least cover cost of rent/utilities. Our main concerns are: which areas would be best to search long term rentals? What opportunities we can chase for income? Considering both getting jobs and opening business, but are unsure where to look for it.

We both have journalism background studies and have worked in media, advertising and marketing sectors. I am a skilled producers with 8 years experience in organising complex photography projects, but also have considerable business development skills within this industry. A creative environment would be suitable for me.

My husband works for a reputable TV show across the Arab region as a project manager overseeing logistics and being the front-man with prestigious football stars part of the show. If we were to open up a business we feel like that would be a great step. However, our little knowledge of Costa del Sol or Spain is worrying and we are trying to figure out what we can read and research to find a direction.

What businesses do well - ideally tourism oriented ones would be interesting as competition is less of a threat. What areas would be best to consider as working points, in areas that are always bustling with tourists and locals. We would have some money to invest and expect returns to cover basic living for a family of 3 - how much would that be on average?

Also, we understand Spanish, speak it beginner to medium level and with a bit of practice could quickly become proficient.

We have been exposed to probably the most multicultural environment of life having lived in Dubai for so long as expats and have a very organised and healthy attitude toward life. We are hard working but we want now that we're almost in our 30s to put our unique experience to work in an environment which will leave room for family, time for oneself and enjoying life - we know Spain is the right fit it's just finding the right tools and information to guarantee our relocation goes smooth and without un-calculated risk.

I hope you can advise me and point me in the right direction.

With advanced thanks, Alina Al Hamden
Email: alina.alhamdani@gmail.com